ST. LOUIS, April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Fleming
Pharmaceuticals, maker of ThyroShield®– the only FDA
approved liquid potassium iodide product indicated for thyroid
protection in radiation emergencies – announced today that it
has implemented the changes necessary to ramp up production to meet
increased domestic and international demand.
ThyroShield is an over-the-counter iodide solution which, when
taken orally, saturates the thyroid gland so radioactive iodine
cannot be absorbed. ThyroShield is especially effective for babies
and children, who are most at risk during radiation exposure.
“The March 11 incident at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi power plant
has increased awareness of the need for preparedness in the event
of a major nuclear emergency,” stated Phill Dritsas, president of
Fleming Pharmaceuticals. “Based on the number of inquiries we have
received in the past month from governments, hospitals and others
around the world, it is clear to us that we need to do everything
within our power here at Fleming to help meet the need for global
and domestic relief. We’ve responded by taking steps to ensure that
we can significantly increase production of ThyroShield.”
Working closely with the FDA, Fleming Pharmaceuticals has
qualified a new potassium iodide (KI) supplier to ensure a steady
supply of quality raw materials to manufacture ThyroShield. The
company has also established new agreements with vendors to shorten
lead times needed to complete orders for ThyroShield package
components such as bottles, caps and droppers. Finally, Fleming
Pharmaceuticals has completed a thorough audit to identify
production line logistics that can be immediately implemented to
fulfill any significant new orders for ThyroShield.
“ThyroShield was developed under the Orphan Drug Act – a
federal law designed to encourage the development of
pharmaceuticals that have limited commercial potential,”
Dritsa
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